Redmond High School Philharmonic Orchestra wins first place and Grand Champion title at national festival

March is Music in Our Schools Month!

The Redmond High School Philharmonic Orchestra (Mustang Strings) proudly earned First Place and the Grand Champion title at the American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival held in San Francisco, Calif. on February 26-28, 2026. They are led by Cami Gates.

Competing against top high school orchestras from across the United States, the Philharmonic Orchestra delivered an exceptional program titled “Common Ground” which included Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst,” Finzi’s “Romance op. 11” and two movements from Grieg’s “String Quartet in G minor,” arranged by Alf Årdal for string orchestra.

The Redmond ensemble impressed adjudicators with their performance format, playing 36 minutes of music from memory without a conductor. Receiving both First Place in their division and the overall Grand Champion distinction marks a historic achievement for the school’s music program.

The American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival is widely regarded as one of the premier events for school string orchestras, with ensembles evaluated by leading music educators and conductors from across the country.

This recognition highlights the continued strength of the Redmond High School performing arts program. The group is supported by their campus administration, performing arts staff and their parent organization, the Redmond Region Orchestra Boosters. They were coached this season by Paula Ferguson, Grant Donnellan, Nathan Cottrell and Juan Felipe Molano.